"The first greenhouse built in 1866, probably by Professor Prentiss, stood where the bath house now stands and was torn down and the plants taken to the second building in 1874, located on a projection near the botanic garden. This second building was erected by Lord & Burnham and the third building now standing (1913) on the same site as the second one, was erected by the same company."[1]
"A greenhouse of seven rooms, containing a choice collection of the best ornamental plants, and of those used in the arts. The structure erected in 1874, having become badly decayed, has been replaced. The new house is both longer and higher than the old one, and as it has iron sills, rafters, purlins and ridge, it should last for many years. It is heated with coils of one and one quarter inch pipe, supplied with hot water. The benches are of iron with slate tops. The work in the greenhouses and forcing houses (Used for vegetables) is performed by students under the direction of the foreman, and they thus become familiar with various operations." [2]
1893
The new Greenhouse construction plans are as follows:
Specifications of the Construction and Material required in the erection of a glass house for MAC, substantially according to plans submitted and our usual detai, By Lord& Burnham Co., Horticultural Architects and Builders, Irvington- on –Hudson, NY Plan: Structure to be according to dimensions and arrangement as shown by accompanying plan, section and elevation. Frame: To consist of cast iron sills capping foundation walls over an 8” brick header course; wrought iron rafter bent and shaped to form of house and secured at sills with cast iron lugs and at ridge by strong brackets, with purlins of iron for lateral support of rafters and sash bars. The iron work described forms light, strong, and durable frame, bearing all the weight and strain of the building, to which the ventilating sash and sash bars attaches. The metal is not exposed on the exterior so that the heating is the same as with wood construction. The expansion and contraction of metal usually so detrimental to iron construction is fully provided against. The sash bars and rafter caps are formed with molded condensation grooves. The necessary wood work, ventilating sash, sash bars, etc. will be cypress. All joints in the wood work are so formed as to turn away water and will be thoroughly white leaded. Glazing: Glass will be double thick Clear French in 16” widths and of suitable lengths. No Putty is used except for a bed for glass, which is placed in a “V” on bars, and is manufactured by out company especially for greenhouse purposes. The glass is held in place by strong wedge shaped zine nails; this form of glazing is more durable and satisfactory for greenhouse work than any other. Painting: The framework is painted three coats; the priming coat being Oxide of iron and Oil and subsequent coats best Calcutta Linseed Oil and Pure White Lead. Ventilating Machinery is painted two coats. Hardware: We will supply mortise locks having keys alike with brass fronts, strong wrought steel butts and knobs, with real bronze trimmings for all Greenhouse doors. Ventilators are hung with special cast butts and brass rivets. Exceptions: Heating, Ventilating, Foundation and other masonry work, plumbing for water supply for gardener’s use, and cartage on material from your R.R. Stations are not included. Necessary working plans for Mason will be furnished without Charge. Finish: These specification are intended to cover our best work in every respect, including time and fares of men erecting same and freight on material making a complete and satisfactory job in every respect.[3]
^^ Beal, "A History of Michigan Agricultural College," Pg 268. Lansing Michigan, Wynkoop Hallenbeck Crawford Co. 1915
"A greenhouse of seven rooms, containing a choice collection of the best ornamental plants, and of those used in the arts. The structure erected in 1874, having become badly decayed, has been replaced. The new house is both longer and higher than the old one, and as it has iron sills, rafters, purlins and ridge, it should last for many years. It is heated with coils of one and one quarter inch pipe, supplied with hot water. The benches are of iron with slate tops. The work in the greenhouses and forcing houses (Used for vegetables) is performed by students under the direction of the foreman, and they thus become familiar with various operations." [2]
1893
The new Greenhouse construction plans are as follows:
Specifications of the Construction and Material required in the erection of a glass house for MAC, substantially according to plans submitted and our usual detai, By Lord& Burnham Co., Horticultural Architects and Builders, Irvington- on –Hudson, NY
Plan: Structure to be according to dimensions and arrangement as shown by accompanying plan, section and elevation.
Frame: To consist of cast iron sills capping foundation walls over an 8” brick header course; wrought iron rafter bent and shaped to form of house and secured at sills with cast iron lugs and at ridge by strong brackets, with purlins of iron for lateral support of rafters and sash bars. The iron work described forms light, strong, and durable frame, bearing all the weight and strain of the building, to which the ventilating sash and sash bars attaches. The metal is not exposed on the exterior so that the heating is the same as with wood construction. The expansion and contraction of metal usually so detrimental to iron construction is fully provided against. The sash bars and rafter caps are formed with molded condensation grooves. The necessary wood work, ventilating sash, sash bars, etc. will be cypress. All joints in the wood work are so formed as to turn away water and will be thoroughly white leaded.
Glazing: Glass will be double thick Clear French in 16” widths and of suitable lengths. No Putty is used except for a bed for glass, which is placed in a “V” on bars, and is manufactured by out company especially for greenhouse purposes. The glass is held in place by strong wedge shaped zine nails; this form of glazing is more durable and satisfactory for greenhouse work than any other.
Painting: The framework is painted three coats; the priming coat being Oxide of iron and Oil and subsequent coats best Calcutta Linseed Oil and Pure White Lead. Ventilating Machinery is painted two coats.
Hardware: We will supply mortise locks having keys alike with brass fronts, strong wrought steel butts and knobs, with real bronze trimmings for all Greenhouse doors. Ventilators are hung with special cast butts and brass rivets.
Exceptions: Heating, Ventilating, Foundation and other masonry work, plumbing for water supply for gardener’s use, and cartage on material from your R.R. Stations are not included. Necessary working plans for Mason will be furnished without Charge.
Finish: These specification are intended to cover our best work in every respect, including time and fares of men erecting same and freight on material making a complete and satisfactory job in every respect. [3]